Teodoro no longer holds dual citizenship - DND

Metro Manila, Philippines - Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. is not a dual citizen and had renounced and surrendered his Maltese passport before assuming public office under the Marcos administration, the Department of National Defense (DND) said.

The clarification was in response to a newspaper report, which stated that Teodoro has an active Maltese passport, raising concerns about his eligibility to serve in a Cabinet post under the law.

Documents cited by The Manila Times show that Teodoro was issued Maltese passport 1259234 on Dec. 22, 2016. The document, valid for 10 years, listed his full name and birthplace in the Philippines, prompting questions about his dual nationality status.

The law and jurisprudence prohibit those holding dual citizenships from holding a Cabinet portfolio or a ranking government position, unless the foreign citizenship is expressly renounced.

In a statement issued Monday, July 14, Defense spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said Teodoro had addressed the matter before entering public office.

“The alleged existing Maltese passport of Sec. Gilberto Teodoro was surrendered and renounced prior to the filing of his certificate of candidacy in 2021 for the 2022 elections,” the statement read.

“Its existence was disclosed to the Bureau of Immigration and the Commission on Elections prior to the 2022 elections, as well as to the Commission on Appointments prior to their confirmation of his appointment as defense secretary,” it added.

The DND also dismissed the timing of the report, describing it as part of a broader effort to undermine the Secretary’s credibility.

“The motive of this rumor is clear and known to Sec. Teodoro. The timing of the article adds to this motive,” the statement said.

Teodoro, a lawyer and former district representative, was appointed defense chief in 2023 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He previously held the same post under the Arroyo administration from 2007 to 2009.

The Palace has yet to comment on the issue.